MASON CITY, Iowa – The North Iowa Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are excited to announce the signing of defenseman and North American Prospects Hockey League alumnus Cooper Kantola to an NAHL tender agreement. Kantola is the second NAPHL player to sign a tender with the Bulls since the start of 2022, following the recent signing of Esmark Stars 18U forward Shane Kozlina to an NAHL tender.
The Mound, Minnesota native competed in the NAPHL each of the last two seasons, appearing in four games last season for the Minnesota-based Bulls 18U program. At the 16U level, he posted three games in 2019-20 for the Minnesota Walleye, including a pair of power play goals at the league’s Fall Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota.
Kantola is currently a senior in the Mound-Westonka High School program, and leads the White Hawks’ defensive corps with 23 points entering the second half of January. He has nearly doubled his career scoring total this season alone, compiling 24 points from his freshman season in 2018-19 to his junior campaign last year. He brings a well-rounded athletic background to North Iowa, logging time as a goaltender for the White Hawks’ soccer program and playing on the Mound-Westonka baseball team as a pitcher and infielder.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Cooper Kantola on his tender signing and wish him further success as his 2021-22 season continues.